Layla Moran Portrait

Layla Moran

Liberal Democrat - Oxford West and Abingdon

14,894 (32.4%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 8th June 2017


Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs & International Development)
5th Jul 2024 - 18th Sep 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Science, Innovation & Technology)
5th Jul 2024 - 18th Sep 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (International Development)
7th Sep 2020 - 30th May 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
7th Sep 2020 - 30th May 2024
Down Syndrome Bill
19th Jan 2022 - 26th Jan 2022
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Education)
16th Jun 2017 - 7th Sep 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
21st Aug 2019 - 6th Jan 2020
Public Accounts Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Layla Moran has voted in 193 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

29 Apr 2025 - Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill - View Vote Context
Layla Moran voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 45 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 85 Noes - 238
View All Layla Moran Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Wes Streeting (Labour)
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
(14 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(12 debate interactions)
Hamish Falconer (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(28 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(5 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Layla Moran's debates

Oxford West and Abingdon Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Layla Moran has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Layla Moran

9th September 2025
Layla Moran signed this EDM on Wednesday 10th September 2025

Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize awarded to Mines Advisory Group

Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
That this House warmly congratulates the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) on being awarded the 2025 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the world’s largest annual humanitarian award; notes that MAG is only the fourth British organisation to receive this honour; recognises the extraordinary work MAG carries out to remove landmines and …
17 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 16
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
17th June 2025
Layla Moran signed this EDM on Friday 5th September 2025

Farmers, growers and the supermarket supply chain

Tabled by: Andrew George (Liberal Democrat - St Ives)
That this House recognises that farmers and growers, in the UK and overseas, require fair dealing in the grocery supply chain in order to survive and thrive; welcomes the 2008 Competition Commission Inquiry which found that larger retailers and supermarkets often abused their power by transferring excessive risk and unexpected …
66 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 43
Labour: 7
Independent: 7
Plaid Cymru: 4
Green Party: 2
Conservative: 1
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Layla Moran's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Layla Moran, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Layla Moran has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Layla Moran has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

17 Bills introduced by Layla Moran


A Bill to make provision in connection with the recognition of the State of Palestine.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 17th March 2023
(Read Debate)

A Bill to make provision in connection with the recognition of the State of Palestine.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament an equalities impact assessment of the effects on women and girls of the decision not to spend 0.7% of UK gross national income on official development assistance in each financial year until that target is again reached.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to set up a register of overseas entities and their beneficial owners and require overseas entities who own land to register in certain circumstances.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 18th March 2022

A Bill to make provision about the content and use of non-disclosure agreements; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 16th January 2026

A Bill to make provision in connection with the recognition of the State of Palestine.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 5th December 2025

A Bill to decriminalise rough sleeping; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 31st October 2025

A Bill to make provision in connection with the recognition of the State of Palestine.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 11th December 2023

A Bill to make provision about the content and use of non-disclosure agreements; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 29th June 2022

A Bill to make provision about the commemoration of the Nakba; to require the Secretary of State to encourage and facilitate annual commemoration of the Nakba; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 15th May 2023

A Bill to repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 18th March 2020

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish guidance for state-funded schools on allowing pupil access to toilets during lessons; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 3rd March 2020

A Bill to repeal section 15A of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 22nd June 2020

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 to further restrict the serving of foods high in fat, salt or sugar in schools and to require all school meals to be free of added sugar by 2022; to require all publicly-funded schools to adhere to those standards; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Monday 22nd July 2019

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require school uniform policies to be gender-neutral; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 6th March 2019

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision in connection with the recognition of the State of Palestine.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 21st November 2018

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. Repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 7th February 2018
(Read Debate)

42 Bills co-sponsored by Layla Moran

Powers of Attorney Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Fabian Hamilton (Lab)

Standards in Public Life (Codes of Conduct) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Debbie Abrahams (Lab)

Schools (Mental Health Professionals) (No. 2) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Munira Wilson (LD)

Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Caroline Lucas (Green)

Kinship Care Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Munira Wilson (LD)

Elected Representatives (Codes of Conduct) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Debbie Abrahams (Lab)

Clean Air Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)

Carers and Care Workers Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Helen Morgan (LD)

Fire and Building Safety (Public Inquiry) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)

Multi-Academy Trusts (Ofsted Inspection) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Jonathan Gullis (Con)

Flexible Working Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tulip Siddiq (Lab)

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Transfers (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Investigation) Bill Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - David Johnston (Con)

Sewage Discharges Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)

Climate Education Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Nadia Whittome (Lab)

Remote Participation in House of Commons Proceedings (Motion) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Dawn Butler (Lab)

Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021
Sponsor - Mike Amesbury (Ind)

Environment (Regulation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)

Essay Mills (Prohibition) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Chris Skidmore (Con)

International Development (Women’s Sanitary Products) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Wendy Chamberlain (LD)

Remote Participation in House of Commons Proceedings Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Dawn Butler (Lab)

Parental Leave (Premature and Sick Babies) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - David Linden (SNP)

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Transfers (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Investigation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)

Parental Rights (Rapists) and Family Courts Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Louise Haigh (Lab)

Prime Minister (Confidence) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Tom Brake (LD)

Plastic Pollution Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)

Gender-based Pricing (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

Access to Fertility Services Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord McCabe (Lab)

Plastics Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)

Parental Leave and Pay Arrangements (Publication) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jo Swinson (LD)

Toilets (Provision and Accessibility) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Paula Sherriff (Lab)

Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Welfare of Women) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Siobhain McDonagh (Lab)

House of Peers Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

Immigration (Time Limit on Detention) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Tulip Siddiq (Lab)

European Union Withdrawal (Evaluation of Effects on Health and Social Care Sectors) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Food Insecurity Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Emma Lewell (Lab)

Local Electricity Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jeremy Lefroy (Con)

Local Health Scrutiny Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Gareth Snell (LAB)

Legalisation of Cannabis (Medicinal Purposes) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Karen Lee (Lab)

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) (No.2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Conor McGinn (Ind)

Terminal Illness (Provision of Palliative Care and Support for Carers) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Bambos Charalambous (Lab)

Child Maintenance (Assessment of Parents' Income) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Heidi Allen (LD)

Voyeurism (Offences) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Wera Hobhouse (LD)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
1 Other Department Questions
30th Apr 2025
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the (a) rights and (b) needs of older women are taken into account in policy decisions.

The Government is clear that equality and opportunity for all are at the heart of our programme of national renewal and every Mission. This includes actively considering the needs of older women and ensuring that they are not discriminated against. The Equality Act 2010 contains strong protections for older women in a variety of settings, including work and the provision of services. The Act prohibits discrimination because of age and harassment related to age. In addition, the Employment Rights Bill will introduce robust measures to further safeguard working women, including gender pay gap and menopause action plans.

The Government recognises the challenges some older women can face and is committed to ensuring that support systems are in place These include improving older people’s participation online through the new Digital Inclusion Action plan, employment support through Jobcentres, and addressing healthcare inequality in the 10 Year Health Plan, to ensure the NHS is there for anyone who needs it, whenever they need it.

11th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) payments are made to affected persons within three months of the passage of the Prisoners and Victims Act 2024 and (b) its compliance with other provisions of that Act.

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 required the Government to lay regulations to establish the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme within three months of the passing of the Act. On 23 August, we laid regulations that will give the Infected Blood Compensation Authority the powers necessary to pay compensation through the core route to the infected, both living and deceased. The Government expects the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to begin making payments to people who are infected under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme by the end of this year. Payments to the affected are expected to begin in 2025, following a second set of regulations. Regarding other provisions of the Act, applications for interim payments of £100,000 to the estates of deceased people, whose deaths have not yet been recognised by a previous interim payment, will open in October. The Government takes its responsibilities under the Victims and Prisoners Act seriously and is doing everything possible to deliver compensation in a timely manner.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
16th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) implementing a defined standard for asbestos testing for cosmetics and (b) banning talc in (i) personal care and (ii) cosmetic products.

Regulation is clear that cosmetics must be safe. To demonstrate compliance, a safety assessment must be completed by a qualified safety assessor.

Government intends to perform sector reviews of product regulation that will consider hazards that may impact consumer safety. To ensure that regulations reflects modern supply chains we recently introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill enabling government to create a proportionate regulatory framework that will protect UK consumers from risk.

17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Government has plans to ban non-disclosure agreements used for victims of sexual misconduct, bullying and discrimination.

Thank you to the Hon. Member for raising this topic. This Government is committed to delivering the Plan to Make Work Pay in full and updating Britain’s employment protections, so they are fit for our modern economy and the future of work. This includes strengthening protections from sexual harassment and harassment in the workplace. Ministers are identifying the most appropriate delivery mechanisms for the commitments in the Plan, including an Employment Rights Bill that will be introduced to Parliament within 100 days of taking office.

29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of expanding financial (a) incentives and (b) subsidies for households to install solar panels.

Deploying rooftop solar remains a key priority and the Government continues to support installation in various ways, including through tax relief, energy efficiency schemes and the Smart Export Guarantee. Solar can already benefit households by allowing them to reduce electricity bills significantly and receive payment for excess electricity generated. The Government is investing £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan over the Spending Review period, to help households take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation. Further detail will be set out by October.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how his Department plans to integrate the strategic deployment of heat networks capturing waste heat into the Warm Homes Plan.

The Warm Homes Plan will help households and businesses make the switch to clean heat and save money on their bills. Heat networks can offer low-cost, low-carbon heat, and reduce everyone’s bills by using surplus heat that would otherwise be wasted.

The Government is investing £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan over the Spending Review period (up to 2029/30). Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan, including deployment targets and funding to deliver heat network schemes, will be set out by October.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using the Oxford Energy Network as a model for decarbonising heat in historic cities.

The Oxford City heat network, which is being taken forward by 1Energy with support from the Green Heat Network Fund, aims to connect many of the city's historic buildings together. The Department will be monitoring the progress of the project, which is expected to provide many lessons for future heat network development in areas of significant built heritage.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to provide financial support for (a) connection costs and (b) internal heat interface units for consumers connecting to low-carbon heat networks.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants to encourage property owners to replace existing fossil fuel heating with more efficient, low carbon heating systems. Heat pumps are the primary supported technology under the scheme. It does not provide financial support for the connection costs for connecting to heat networks or internal heat interface units.

Significant funding to develop new and existing low carbon heat networks across England is provided through the Green Heat Network Fund, which has announced over £506 million in grant awards to date. The Government’s Warm Homes Plan will provide further detail on the support available to help property owners transition to cleaner, low carbon heating.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of low-carbon heat networks on (a) reducing (i) NOx emissions and (ii) particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas and (b) public health outcomes.

Our assessment of the potential impact of low-carbon heat networks includes monetised air quality benefits based on Green Book (Table 15) fuel consumption standards[1]. Our published consultation stage Zoning Impact Assessment estimated the value of those benefits at between £50m and £270m (2020 prices, 2024 base year) over 40 years. This range includes the health benefits of both reduced NOx and reduced particulate matter.

We are working with Defra to ensure heat network zoning policy contributes to the UK’s wider air quality goals - supporting cleaner air and better public health.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/valuation-of-energy-use-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions-for-appraisal - Table 15

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
18th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many homes his Department has identified as requiring an upgrade from single-phase to triple-phase electricity supply, in the context of the criteria for being a zero-carbon household.

My Department does not hold this data, however only a small minority of homes are likely to need an upgrade from a single to three-phase connection to accommodate multiple or higher-powered low carbon technologies.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that new green businesses receive required utility connections in a timely manner.

The Government recognises the need for timely connections to the electricity network. The Government has worked at pace with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the energy regulator, Ofgem, to develop a new connections process where strategically important demand projects will receive the strongest possible non-financial government support to facilitate timely connections. Stalled projects will be removed from the queue to prioritise projects which are vital for economic growth and the acceleration of transmission infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he is taking steps with the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure green energy projects have access to CO2 storage.

The recent final investment decisions with the East Coast Cluster and Liverpool Bay CCS are the first steps in unlocking necessary CO2 storage requirements needed to deliver our carbon budgets.

The Department continues to work with key regulatory and industry partners so that the capacity needed to store CO2 is accessible to green energy projects, such as cement decarbonisation or sustainable aviation fuels.

The Government also recognises that non-pipeline methods of CO2 transportation (for example, road, rail, barge and ship) will be required where it is not feasible to connect to a store via pipeline.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that rural communities benefit from hosting ground-mounted solar farm infrastructure on agricultural land.

The Government is committed to ensuring that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, such as solar farms, they directly benefit from it. The relaunched Solar Taskforce, which will set out how Government and industry can radically increase the level of solar deployment required by 2030, is considering how best to ensure that communities receive appropriate benefits. Its recommendations will be made in a Solar Roadmap, due to be published shortly.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent progress she has made on the rollout of 5G to rural communities.

Our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural communities, to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030 and I will work closely with mobile network operators who are delivering this.

We are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment into mobile networks and competition in the market.

In their Connected Nations Spring update, published 8 May 2025, Ofcom reports that 5G (combined standalone and non-standalone 5G) is available outside 82% of UK rural premises from at least one mobile operator, but this falls to 8% from all four operators.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help increase the numbers of international scientists working (a) at Oxford University and (b) in the Oxford biotech cluster.

The UK offers ambitious funding for international talent through prestigious fellowships and professorships from UKRI and the National Academies. Our competitive immigration offer, including fast-track visa routes like the Global Talent visa, facilitates high-skilled migration in key sectors, ensuring that universities like the University of Oxford benefit from global talent.

The government recognises the vital role of international specialists in the UK’s Life Sciences sector and supports the Oxford biotech cluster through initiatives like the Global Talent Network, which attracts talented individuals worldwide. In addition, DSIT is collaborating with stakeholders to unlock the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor's potential for growth, investment, and job creation.

2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress his Department has made on establishing Ofcom’s Advisory Committee on Misinformation and Disinformation.

While the Online Safety Act (OSA) requires Ofcom to establish an advisory committee on disinformation and misinformation, the process and timing of setting it up remains at Ofcom’s discretion.

Ofcom has confirmed that the Mis/Disinformation Advisory Committee will be established by the end of 2024. It will play an essential role in building understanding and technical knowledge of the challenges relating to mis- and disinformation and how best to tackle them. As such, it is vital that Ofcom has the appropriate time to appoint the best possible committee.

11th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has had discussions with the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission on the potential merits of increasing democratic education in schools.

Teaching about democracy and elections already forms a central part of the national curriculum for citizenship at key stages 3 and 4 and can be taught as a non-statutory topic in primary schools. The government will consider the citizenship curriculum in the context of the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and we see potential for lowering the voting age to help boost young people's engagement with the subject. We will also work with the Electoral Commission, the devolved governments and civil society to consider what additional measures can support schools, colleges, and youth groups to roll out practical voter and civic education.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
10th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve the provision of school transportation for children with Special Educational Needs.

The department’s home-to-school travel policy aims to make sure no child is prevented from accessing education by a lack of transport. Local authorities must arrange free home-to-school travel for eligible children. This includes children of compulsory school age who attend their nearest school and would not be able to walk there because of their special educational needs (SEN), disability or mobility problem.

We know that challenges in the wider SEN system are creating pressure on home-to-school travel. We have committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools so fewer children need to travel long distances to a school that can meet their needs. The spending review announcement on 11 June confirmed significant new funding to support special educational needs and disabilities reform and the government is bringing forward a white paper with plans to improve the SEND system. This will reduce the pressure on home-to-school travel over time leaving it better able to meet the needs of those that continue to need it.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing an external delivery model to help the teaching of financial education in schools.

I refer the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon to the answer of 7 January 2025 to Question 21190.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
29th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the proportion of schools that have asbestos present; and what steps she is taking to reduce levels of asbestos in schools.

The department takes the safety of children, and those who work with them, incredibly seriously which is why we expect all local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts as responsible bodies to have robust plans in place to manage asbestos in school buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties, drawing on appropriate professional advice.

As the regulator for asbestos, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) undertook inspections of a number of schools across the UK between September 2022 and April 2023 to look at compliance under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The inspections showed that most schools were complying with the legal duties, and effective management systems are in place to manage and monitor the condition of asbestos-contained materials onsite.

The department is collecting data on the condition of school buildings in England as part of the Condition Data Collection 2 (CDC2) programme. To date, we have visited 18,029 schools and 13,592 (75.4%) have reported they have asbestos. The department follows the advice of the HSE as regulator that, as long as asbestos-containing materials are undamaged, and not in locations where they are vulnerable to damage, they should be left undisturbed, and their condition monitored.

The department has been clear, however, that when asbestos does pose a risk to safety and cannot be effectively managed in place, it should be removed. The decision to remove asbestos should be considered on a case-by-case basis and, annual condition funding provided by the department can be used for this purpose.

As part of the 2025/26 budget, we have increased capital allocations to improve the condition of school buildings to £2.1 billion, which represents £300 million more than this financial year. This is on top of the School Rebuilding Programme and targeted support for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

Stephen Morgan
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will publish a timeframe for implementing the findings of the research by Ofsted entitled Best start in life part 3: the 4 specific areas of learning, published on 8 October 2024.

Ofsted is an independent non-ministerial government department and, as such, we are unable to comment on its processes or on specific issues. The department has responsibility for policy on inspection and registration, but how it is implemented is for Ofsted to decide and to be held to account by Parliament. The department will therefore not be publishing a timeline for implementation of findings in ‘Best Start in Life part 3: the 4 specific areas of learning’, nor were there any particular recommendations made by Ofsted for it to implement. The reviews published by Ofsted are publicly available on GOV.UK and are primarily intended to help early years practitioners to raise the quality of early years education.

9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent estimate she has made of when the review of post-16 education funding will be completed; and what her planned timescale is for responding to that review.

This government is determined to ensure all young people have high quality education and training pathways post-16. To help secure this, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced that the department would pause and review the defunding of qualifications in July 2024. The department will conclude and communicate the outcomes of this internal review of post-16 qualifications, before Christmas 2024.

The focused review announced in July is already underway and the department is working as quickly as possible to provide certainty to the sector. The review will look at the defunding lists that have been published and communicate any changes. Colleges will be able to reflect the outcomes of the review in their planning and marketing materials in the new year so that students can make the best decisions about their futures.

There are many qualifications not subject to defunding and which provide certainty and continuity to the sector. These include A levels, T Levels, and alternative qualifications in subjects and routes not affected by defunding.

9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to announce funding arrangements for post-16 vocational education for after 2025.

This government is determined to ensure all young people have high quality education and training pathways post-16. To help secure this, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced that the department would pause and review the defunding of qualifications in July 2024. The department will conclude and communicate the outcomes of this internal review of post-16 qualifications, before Christmas 2024.

The focused review announced in July is already underway and the department is working as quickly as possible to provide certainty to the sector. The review will look at the defunding lists that have been published and communicate any changes. Colleges will be able to reflect the outcomes of the review in their planning and marketing materials in the new year so that students can make the best decisions about their futures.

There are many qualifications not subject to defunding and which provide certainty and continuity to the sector. These include A levels, T Levels, and alternative qualifications in subjects and routes not affected by defunding.

4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is her policy to retain Oak National Academy as an arms length body to her Department.

Teachers using the service have found Oak National Academy to be a helpful tool in their lesson and curriculum planning.

Decisions on the future funding of Oak, along with all other government spending, will be made as part of the Spending Review process.

22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department is taking steps to help improve mental health practice in universities.

The department has asked the higher education (HE) Student Support Champion, Professor Edward Peck, to continue to work with students, parents, mental health experts and the HE sector to drive meaningful change in mental health practice through the HE Mental Health Implementation Taskforce.

The Office for Students (OfS) is providing £400,000 of funding to the student mental health charity, Student Minds, to rapidly expand the scale and membership of the University Mental Health Charter Programme. The Programme supports universities to adopt a whole-institution approach to mental health, and also follow a process of continuous improvement to work towards the Charter Award. The University Mental Health Charter is already raising standards within the sector.

The department has appointed academic experts from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health to undertake a National Review of HE Suicides. It will report findings by spring 2025, ensuring lessons from tragic cases are shared widely across the sector.

In 2024, to support HE providers to engage with the National Review of HE Suicides and develop mental health and suicide prevention strategies, the OfS is allocating £15 million of funding. This funding is in addition to the £10 million provided early this year to support student mental health and hardship.

The government is determined that children and young people receive the mental health care they need which is why it has committed to recruit 8500 additional staff across children and adult mental health services.

22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is her Department's policy that universities should have a statutory duty of care to students.

The department has asked the higher education (HE) Student Support Champion, Professor Edward Peck, to continue to work with students, parents, mental health experts and the HE sector to drive meaningful change in mental health practice through the HE Mental Health Implementation Taskforce.

The Office for Students (OfS) is providing £400,000 of funding to the student mental health charity, Student Minds, to rapidly expand the scale and membership of the University Mental Health Charter Programme. The Programme supports universities to adopt a whole-institution approach to mental health, and also follow a process of continuous improvement to work towards the Charter Award. The University Mental Health Charter is already raising standards within the sector.

The department has appointed academic experts from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health to undertake a National Review of HE Suicides. It will report findings by spring 2025, ensuring lessons from tragic cases are shared widely across the sector.

In 2024, to support HE providers to engage with the National Review of HE Suicides and develop mental health and suicide prevention strategies, the OfS is allocating £15 million of funding. This funding is in addition to the £10 million provided early this year to support student mental health and hardship.

The government is determined that children and young people receive the mental health care they need which is why it has committed to recruit 8500 additional staff across children and adult mental health services.

15th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to open the Property Resilience Repair Grant Scheme in the context of the floods in Oxfordshire on 22-24 November 2024.

The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant scheme can provide up to £5000 for eligible households and businesses to install PFR measures. The PFR grant scheme is typically activated alongside the Flood Recovery Framework (FRF) coordinated by MHCLG and only activated where there is large scale and widespread flooding. With localised flooding incidents, we expect Local Authorities to have well established contingency arrangements in place and to be able to respond and support their local communities within existing budgets. Below that local authorities provide support as needed. The flooding in November was not at the scale where we would expect to open FRF and PFR schemes.

To ensure we protect the country from the devastating impacts of flooding, we will invest £2.4 billion in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience, by building, maintaining, and repairing flood defences.

Included in this programme, the Environment Agency is working proactively with local authorities to deliver Property Flood Resilience (PFR) projects, where it is cost beneficial to do so, in areas where PFR is the best solution for reducing flood risk. The EA’s PFR programme is focused on reducing risk to those households and businesses at the highest risk.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
15th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of frequent flooding on the (a) economy and (b) social cohesion of areas impacted.

Flood defences are critical to the protection of life and property and the effective functioning of the economy. Resilience and adaptation to the changing climate provide economic resilience and are key to supporting the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth.

The Environment Agency gathers data on how flooding affects the economy. The economic losses from the winter 2019 to 2020 flooding are estimated to be about £333 million. However, the economic damage avoided because of the protection provided is at least 14 times greater, at around £4.6 billion to £9.3 billion.

Around 36% of the damages caused by floods are to publicly owned infrastructure like roads, railways, schools and hospitals.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to the letter of 24 June 2024 from the UN Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders under the Aarhus Convention entitled Statement regarding the criminal prosecution of Mr. Daniel Shaw for his involvement in peaceful environmental protest in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The UK welcomed the creation of the Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders under the Aarhus Convention.

The Government is considering the issues raised in the Special Rapporteur's recent letters, in the context of the UK's obligations under the Aarhus Convention.

We will respond in due course.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she expects the first phase of East-West Rail to open this year; and what her Department's planned timetable is for the opening of the (a) Bletchley to Bedford and (b) Bedford to Cambridge sections.

The Department is working closely with Chiltern and other partners to confirm a start date for the service. We are looking forward to commencing services as soon as all necessary approvals and infrastructure are in place. Passenger services will commence once train testing and driver training have been completed. As for the second and third connections phases; the Government has committed to accelerating work to deliver EWR services between Oxford-Bedford. The full Oxford-Cambridge service is subject to an application for a Development Consent Order and is planned to commence from the mid-2030s.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
21st May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the scale of the revenue certainty mechanism will be; and how market pricing will be achieved.

The SAF Bill was introduced on Wednesday 14th May in the House of Commons, with legislative measures to implement an industry-funded revenue certainty mechanism to support SAF production in the UK.

The Bill confirms the government’s position that any funding required should come from a levy on aviation fuel suppliers.

Further work is required to design the allocation process for the revenue certainty mechanism. This will include greater detail regarding the size and timings of the contracts, as well as parameters around pricing. We will maintain a close and ongoing dialogue with industry on options for achieving cost control within the revenue certainty mechanism.

4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department consulted the Environment Agency on the flooding components of the Oxford Rail Station Phase 2 project.

Network Rail consulted the Environment Agency on its Environmental Impact Assessment as part of the planning approval process for the Oxford Rail Station Phase 2 project.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
10th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the consultation entitled Smarter regulation: proposed changes to legislation for electrically assisted pedal cycles, which closed on 25 April 2024, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of amending regulations on (a) the classification of and (b) enabling throttle assistance for electrically-assisted pedal cycles.

The Department is carefully considering the responses to the consultation, and will make an announcement on the way forward as soon as possible.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she intends to establish a Road Safety Investigation Branch.

The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this Government. We are committed to delivering a new Road Safety Strategy – the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
29th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Network Rail on the status of the Oxfordshire Connect rail programme.

The Minister of State for Rail, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, and senior officials from my Department are having regular discussions with Network Rail (NR) to press them for a credible delivery plan for the completion of the Oxford station project and Botley Road bridge.

Lord Hendy has written to you and other stakeholders with details of improvements being made to alleviate the effects of the bridge closure. He and the Chief Executive of NR will come to meet you, and other stakeholders, as soon as NR are certain of the delivery plan.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to publish the findings of the review of rodenticide stewardship.

The Government Oversight Group for Rodenticide Stewardship will meet in June to address the conclusions from working groups established to make recommendations for strengthening stewardship. Further discussions will take place over the summer, with final recommendations set for publication following discussions with the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK) at the end of the year.

Stephen Timms
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he expects the NICE guidelines for Dysmenorrhoea, Adenomyosis, and Chronic Pelvic Pain conditions to be published.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has no current plans to develop standalone guidelines on dysmenorrhoea, adenomyosis, and chronic pelvic pain.

There are existing NICE guidelines on heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pain, and endometriosis. There is also a Clinical Knowledge Summary on dysmenorrhoea that summarises the current evidence base and provides practical advice for primary care professionals.

Topics for new or updated guidance are considered through the NICE prioritisation process. Decisions as to whether NICE will create new, or update existing, guidance are overseen by an integrated, cross-organisational prioritisation board, chaired by NICE’s chief medical officer.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure that Integrated Care Systems provide a range of weight management services.

Local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are responsible for providing local weight management services, taking into account their population needs and relevant guidance. Weight management services range from behavioural programmes to specialist services for those living with obesity and associated co-morbidities.

Local authorities are able to fund behavioural weight management services from their Public Health Grant. Additionally, NHS England commissions the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme nationally, which can be accessed via referral from general practice or community pharmacy.

ICBs are responsible for commissioning NHS specialist weight management services. Until recently the newest obesity medicines have only been available via the NHS through specialist weight management services. One of these medicines, tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®), is now available in primary care, with access currently being prioritised to those with the greatest clinical need. ICBs are developing new care pathways to ensure that patients can access these medicines via general practice.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to evaluate the effectiveness of NHS weight management programmes.

The Department of Health and Social Care, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has commissioned a range of research to evaluate the effectiveness of NHS weight management programmes.

This includes an evaluation of the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, which reported in April 2024 and found it to be highly cost-effective service, helping people to lose a clinically meaningful amounts of weight. There is also a £1.7 million evaluation commencing looking at NHS England’s new service models to deliver weight loss drugs outside of hospital settings. It will provide evidence on the effectiveness of the models to support wider roll out. It is expected to report around 2028. In addition, there is a £1.4 million evaluation of NHS England’s Complications of Excess Weight clinics, which deliver tailored support to children and young people with severe or complex forms of obesity. The evaluation will provide evidence on optimal models of care to support future expansion of the clinics and is expected to report around 2026. There is also a range of other ongoing research relevant to weight management services, including looking at services for people with depression and looking at weight regain.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has also undertaken an evaluation of digital technologies delivering multidisciplinary weight-management services either with or without prescribing and monitoring obesity medicines. This was published in October 2023 and recommended the technologies that can be used in the NHS while more evidence is generated.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to integrate mental health support into weight management services.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produces evidence-based guidance for service commissioners, providers, and health and care practitioners on best practice for weight management. Its guidance on weight management makes a number of recommendations about mental health support. For example, it recommends that:

- For adults, providers of weight management services discuss with a person accessing weight management services whether their individual circumstances such as psychological factors may affect their ability to lose weight, and whether referral to another service (such as mental health support) may be appropriate.

- For children, practitioners make a referral to the local mental health pathway if there are concerns that the child or young person's mental wellbeing is affected by their weight, that mental health is affecting their weight or the circumstances that influence their weight, or an eating disorder is suspected.

- Specialist weight management services, commissioned by NHS integrated care boards, should be provided by multidisciplinary teams, with psychological and behavioural support.

More recently, NHS England has issued commissioning guidance for the use of tirzepatide for the management of obesity. It states that prescribers should carefully consider the patient’s overall wellbeing, particularly when eating disorders, body dysmorphia, or mental health status are factors in the request and consideration for treatment. Onward referral to dedicated services may be made where appropriate, in line with local guidelines and existing NICE guidance.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the establishment of a multidisciplinary pathway for the diagnosis and management of chronic pelvic pain.

The Government is committed to improving the management of long-term conditions, as reflected in our Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, and in our 10-Year Health Plan. Part of this will be reforming patient pathways to ensure patients with chronic conditions receive joined-up, rounded care to meet their health needs. NHS England is working with professional clinical bodies on a programme of work to reform pathways, reflecting the required shift of care from hospital to community.

Ensuring patients receive their care from skilled healthcare professionals in the right setting is an important part of pathway reform, including for chronic conditions. We will ensure that the number of medical specialty training places, including for radiology and clinical oncology, meets the demands of the National Health Service in the future. Over the next three years, we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is the greatest need. The Government is committed to training the staff we need to provide patients with quality and timely care, including health professions. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will outline strategies for improving the training of staff and will work closely with partners in education to do so, to ensure that allied health professional remains an attractive career choice.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of updating the existing regulations on (a) composition, (b) marketing and (c) labelling of commercial infant and toddler foods.

Children’s early years provide an important foundation for their future health and strongly influences many aspects of wellbeing in later life.

It is vital that we maintain the highest standards for foods consumed by babies and infants, which is why we have regulations in place that set nutritional and compositional standards for commercial baby food. The regulations also set labelling standards to ensure consumers have clear and accurate information about the products they buy.  We continue to keep these regulations under review to ensure they reflect the latest scientific and dietary guidelines.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to primary care networks of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission proposed code of practice for services, public functions and associations, published on 20 May 2025.

To date, no assessment has been made. The Supreme Court’s ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Acy 2010 case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is currently consulting on the text for an updated statutory code of practice, which will close on 30 June 2025. We will consider any further implications following the outcome.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to NHS Trusts of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission proposed code of practice for services, public functions and associations, published on 20 May 2025.

To date, no assessment has been made. The Supreme Court’s ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Acy 2010 case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is currently consulting on the text for an updated statutory code of practice, which will close on 30 June 2025. We will consider any further implications following the outcome.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to integrated care boards of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission proposed code of practice for services, public functions and associations, published on 20 May 2025.

To date, no assessment has been made. The Supreme Court’s ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Acy 2010 case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is currently consulting on the text for an updated statutory code of practice, which will close on 30 June 2025. We will consider any further implications following the outcome.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to urgent care services of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission proposed code of practice for services, public functions and associations, published on 20 May 2025.

To date, no assessment has been made. The Supreme Court’s ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the Equality Acy 2010 case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is currently consulting on the text for an updated statutory code of practice, which will close on 30 June 2025. We will consider any further implications following the outcome.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)